Abstract
The author and his coworkers have developed a practical model of the CO2 laserscalpel for neurosurgery. The working group consists of neurosurgeons, engineers andsponsors. The author started the studies on the development of a practical model of thecarbon dioxide laser surgical unit for neurosurgery in 1969 and developed three types ofthe CO2 laser scalpels during the past 9 years in cooperation the members of the workinggroup. The first model, type 1, was an experimental laser scalpel with which the workinggroup studied the biomedical qualities of the CO2 laser. The second model, type2, wasdesigned for clinical use. But this model was cumbersome and insufficient in its abilitiesto be applied to neurosurgery. Therefore, we developed the third model, type 3, by imp-roving the demerits of the former model. Using this newly developed model, MEDILASERMODEL MEL-442, the nickname of which is “TAKYTOM-77”, we performed 80 cases ofsurgery with satisfactory results.
This paper divides into two parts, Part 1 and Part 2. In Part 1, detail of the devi-ces was explained particularly on the points of improvement with a historical note. In Part 2, biomedical qualities of the CO2 laser, animal experiments, and such clinicalexperiences as the surgery of brain tumors, pigmentary nevus, cervical erosion, etc. were described with the studies on the hazards and personnel protection.
The CO2 laser scalpel enables the operator to perform not only bloodless and precisesurgery, but also various epoch-making treatments which have been impossible with theconventional modalities.
